Kardamena: The Jewel of Kos Island

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Ya sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Πώς είστε;
  [Pos iste?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσείς;
  [Kala. Esis?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;
  [Milate Agglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menou, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!Στην υγεία μας!
  [Stin ygeia mas!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosso, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fiye!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astynomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε έναν γιατρό!
  [Kaleste enan giatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Eimai arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agoraso...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kitao]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Borite na meiosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Ine mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (10)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Aurio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dyo]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Εφτά
  [Efta]
• 8Οκτώ
  [Okto]
• 9Εννιά
  [Ennia]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine i diefthinsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Borite na mou dixete (sto charti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για ....)
  [Ena isitirio (gia ....)]

Kardamena's history can be traced back to ancient times, when it was known as the ancient city of Antimachia. Located on the southern coast of Kos, it served as a vital port and trading hub due to its strategic position along the Aegean Sea. Archaeological findings in the area, including remnants of ancient structures and pottery, suggest that the region was inhabited as early as the 3rd century BC.

In the 14th century, Kardamena, like much of Kos, came under the control of the Knights of Saint John after the fall of the Byzantine Empire. The Knights fortified the area, contributing to the development of defensive structures and enhancing its role as a maritime center. This period marked significant cultural and architectural influences that can still be seen in some local structures.

The Ottoman Empire took control of Kos in the 16th century, and Kardamena was no exception. During this period, the town experienced a shift in cultural dynamics, with the introduction of Turkish customs and architecture. The Ottomans developed agricultural practices in the region, particularly in the cultivation of crops like cotton and olives, which contributed to the local economy.

During World War II, Kardamena, like the rest of the Dodecanese islands, was occupied by Axis forces. The post-war period saw the island return to Greek sovereignty in 1947. This transition brought significant changes to the local economy, as the town began to shift from agriculture to tourism, leveraging its beautiful beaches and rich history.

In recent decades, Kardamena has transformed into a popular tourist destination, known for its vibrant nightlife and stunning coastline. The local economy now heavily relies on tourism, with numerous hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues catering to visitors. Despite this modernization, efforts have been made to preserve the historical sites and cultural heritage of the area, ensuring that Kardamena remains a blend of ancient history and contemporary leisure.

Kardamena is located approximately 7 kilometers from Kos Town and is easily accessible via various modes of transport. The most common way to reach Kardamena is by bus, with regular services running from Kos Town and other major neighborhoods. Taxis are also available and can be a convenient option for those traveling with luggage. For those arriving by ferry, the port in Kos Town connects to Kardamena via local transport. If you prefer to drive, rental cars and scooters are widely available on the island.

Kardamena is a relatively small town, making it easy to explore on foot. Most attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance. For longer distances or to explore surrounding areas, local buses operate frequently, connecting to other parts of Kos. Taxis are available for hire, and bicycles can be rented from several shops in town, offering a fun and eco-friendly way to navigate the area.

Kardamena is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, it is advisable to remain cautious, particularly in crowded places where petty theft may occur. While there are no specific areas in Kardamena known for high crime rates targeting tourists, it’s best to avoid isolated areas at night and stay alert to your surroundings. Always safeguard your belongings and avoid displaying expensive items.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This will connect you to police, fire, and medical services. The local hospital in Kardamena can provide medical attention, and there are pharmacies available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers emergencies and carry a list of emergency contacts with you.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, but avoid overly revealing outfits in public areas. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches or other religious sites; modest attire is appreciated. Public Transport: Do be courteous on public transport, allowing locals to board first. Don't eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a friendly 'Kalimera' (Good morning). Don't forget to be polite and patient. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes. Don’t overindulge in public; moderation is appreciated.

To experience Kardamena like a local, visit the lively central square where locals gather, and enjoy the atmosphere at local cafes. Explore the less touristy streets to discover charming shops and eateries. Don’t miss the opportunity to try traditional Greek coffee and sweets at a local pastry shop. Engage with residents; they are often more than happy to share stories and recommendations. If you’re interested in history, take a short trip to the nearby archaeological site of Asclepius for a glimpse into ancient Kos.